Rosemarie Pecoraro Vining

Rosemarie Pecoraro Vining passed away peacefully at home, with family by her side, on Thursday, April 9, 2026, just one day shy of her 90th birthday.

Born on April 10, 1936, in Hammond, Louisiana, Rosemarie grew up on her family’s strawberry farm as the youngest of 4 children. The daughter of Sicilian-born parents, Rosemarie attended Hammond High School, Class of 1954, and Southeastern Louisiana University, where she was a proud member of Southeastern’s Lionettes Dance Team. After graduating from SLU in 1958, Rosemarie moved to Morgan City, where she began her teaching career at Berwick Elementary. She had a gift for making her students feel seen while keeping them in line. Over more than 30 years at Berwick Elementary, Margaret Squires, Shannon, and M.E. Norman, Rosemarie educated countless young minds, inspiring generations of learners with her passion, wit, and unwavering standards.

“Re,” as she was endearingly referred to by her grandchildren, was the epitome of a southern lady- strong, spirited, and full of sass. She exuded confidence, flair, and style like no other. Her iconic, signature sashay announced her arrival with unmistakable presence. Impeccably put together and “dressed to the nines,” Re always stepped out with matching purse, shoes, and jewelry, no matter the occasion.

In 1958, her spitfire personality and spunky charm captured the heart of Alden Vining, Jr., and the two became an inseparable pair. Their 65-year marriage was a testament to enduring love, loyalty, and lifelong commitment. Alden took great pleasure in doting on Re, and Re delighted in every well-earned moment, accepting it as nothing less than deserved. In the years following Alden’s stroke, Rosemarie remained a constant source of strength and support, caring for him unconditionally. Their deep respect for one another grew even stronger over time.

After a decade of marriage, Rosemarie welcomed two children whom she cherished and adored. From a very young age, both Valerie and Michael learned the importance of proper etiquette and how to behave in public- or, as Re made clear, how not to. As they grew, she remained their biggest fan and cheerleader- always involved, endlessly supportive, and never short on wisdom or advice.

There was no season Rosemarie loved more than Mardi Gras. A charter member of the Krewe of Galatea, she remained an active and devoted member for over 55 years and proudly reigned as Queen Galatea XXX, a role she was meant to embody. Rosemarie was a queen in every sense of the word- a social butterfly, as sparkly and fancy as she was outspoken. Whether over coffee, tea, wine, or champagne, she was always ready for a good party or a visit with friends of any age. She relished her weekly visits to Christopher’s- a standing beauty parlor appointment she never missed- where her quick wit and playful banter with her dear friend, Chris, were always on full display. Her unapologetic spirit and unforgettable one-liners truly made her one of a kind.

A devout Catholic, Rosemarie was a faithful member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, where she served for many years as both a lector and Eucharistic minister. She also gave generously of her time as a “Pink Lady” volunteer at Lakewood Hospital. In her retired years, she and Alden enjoyed traveling the world side by side. When she wasn’t away on an adventure, she devoted her time and talents to her gifts as a seamstress and craftsperson, lovingly handcrafting and embroidering a beautiful collection of exquisite Christmas stockings for her family to treasure.

Above all, Rosemarie was a loving, caring, and larger-than-life wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her greatest happiness came from time spent with those she loved. Her home was not just filled with rules to follow- it was filled with warmth, love, personality, charm, good food, good wine, and cherished treasures that perfectly reflected the special person she was. Though she has taken her final bow, her spirit, style, and legacy will reign on forever.

Rosemarie was preceded in death by her parents, Ottavio Pecoraro and Maria Pitarro Pecoraro; her husband, Alden Vining, Jr.; and her siblings Tony Pecoraro, Lena P. Nuccio, and Pat Pecoraro.

She is survived by her children, Valerie Webster (Darrell) of Berwick, LA, and Michael Vining (Diana) of Houston, TX; five grandchildren: Sophie Webster, Audrey Webster, Cameron Webster, Vivienne Vining, and Oliver Vining; and one great-grandchild, Maryam Webster.

Pallbearers will be Dale Pecoraro, Mark Pecoraro, Joseph Bursavich, Darrell Webster, Oliver Vining, Paul Vella, Todd Kirkpatrick, and Bobby Bostic. Honorary Pallbearers will be Kerry Nuccio, Charlie Solar, Sr., Chris Rhodes, David Kirkpatrick, Dr. Frank Distefano, Dr. Chip Metz, Lloyd Aucoin, Frederick Fondren, J.D. Theriot, Steve Orlando, and Robert Duhon, Sr.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to her amazing caregivers- Mouna, Cindi, Evelyn, and Gail for their compassionate care and support during her final days, with an extra special thank you to Mouna for her love and devotion to Alden and Rosemarie over the past 10+ years. And to Paul Vella, friend and neighbor, for his continual love and support.

Visitation will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 9:00 am until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am, celebrated by Father Jay Baker. Following Mass, Rosemarie will be laid to rest at Morgan City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rosemarie’s name to Holy Cross Church.